DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 206 328 ik 009 715
AUTHOR Wood, R. Kent: Woolley, Robert D. TITLE An Overview of Videodisc Technology and Some Potential Applications in the Library, Information, andInstuctional- Sciences. INSTITUTION- ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources, ib Syracuse, N.Y. SPONS AGENCY -National Inst. of Education (DREW), Washington, D.C. PUB DATE Dec 80 -CONTRACT. 400-77-0015 NOTE 37p.
EDRS PRICE MT01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Diagrams: Diffusion: *Educational Technology; Equipment,Manufacturers; Equipment Utilization; *Information Science; * Library Science: *Videodisd Recordings: *Video Equipment IDENTIFIERS Fault Tree Analysis
ABSTRACT. This discussion of several ,of the issues and systems of videodisc technology as applied to the library, information, and instructional sciences is based upon the Utah State University Videodisc Innovation Projects. Descriptions of the major marketed videodisc systems, as well as the soon to be marketed, are given. A critique of the ABC/NEA Sdhooldisc Ptogram is also included. A 72-item list of references and selected bibliography isprovided, which includes references dealing with fault tree analysis (sometimes referred to as "fault free analysis") as a recommended tool to assist with the smoothing out of the diffusion process for videodiscS. Library, information, and instructional specialists are seen to be in a pogition to play a major role in that diffusion process. (Author/LLS) 10
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* . Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***** ...... *********************************************************** U S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EDUCATION & WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT riAS BEEN REPRO- DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM' THE PERSON OR OPC.ANIZATION ORIC.IN ATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPINIONS STATED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRE- SENT OFFICIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY
AN OVERVIEW OF VIDEODISC TECHNOLOGY
SANDSOME POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN THE LIBRARY, NFORMATION,
AND INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES
by
R. Kent Wood
and Robert D. Woolley
ERICInformtion Analysis Prpduct
December 1980 ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources ' Syracuse University
ti 116
Dr. R. Kent Wood received his master's degree in Librarianship from the University of Denver, an Educational Specialist Degree in Librarianship,. and his doctorate in Higher Education Administration (with emphasis in Library, Information, and Instructional Sciences) from trigham Young University.He is Professor of Instructional Media (Library Science and Instructional Systems Technology) and Director of the Videodisc Innovation Projects at Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
7
Mr. gliert D. Woolley received his master's degree in Instructional Media from Utah State University.Re is -Assistant Professor of Instructional Media, Systems Analyst for the Merrill Library and Learning Resources Program at USU, and servesas the Computer Specialist with, the Videodisc Innovation Projectsat Utah State University. In addition, he directs the Curriculum Materials Center.
This publication was prepared with funding from "the National Institute of Education, U.S. Department of Edu- cation under contract no. NIE-400-77-0015. The opinions expressed in this report do not necess'arily refleCt the positions or policies of NIE or ED:
4 ABSTRACT
This discussion 01 several of the issues and systems of videodisc technology as applied to the library, information, and instructional sciences is basQd upon the Utah State University Videodisc Innovation Projects and a paper delivered to the American Society for' Information Sciences by Dr. R. Kent Wood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 16, 1979, with updating in, the fall of 1980.DescriptiOns of the major marketed videodisc systems, As well as those soon to be marketed, are givei:. A critique of the ABC/NEA Schooldisc Program is a special feature. The 5- page "list of references and selected bibliography which is provided includes referenceS dealing with faulttree Analysis (sometimes referred to' as"faultfreeanalysis")as a recommended tool to assist 'with the smoothing out of the diffusion process for videodiscs.Library, information, and instructional specialists are seen to be in a position to play a major role in that diffusion process.
/4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
IntrodUction 1
Library and Information Sciences 1
Videodisc Systems 3
Optical Reflective Laser Systems 3
Optical Transmissive Laser Systems 8
w. Capacitance or Stylus Systems 10
Combined Optical Capacitance Systems 11
Videodisc Is Not a'Panacea 13 USU Center for Instructional Product Development 16
Revie'w of Selected Videodisc Litersature -18 ABC/NEA Schooldisc Program 21 o Proposed Fault Tree Analysis 23 Conclusion 25 References and Selected Bibliography 28
List of Figures
1. Media comparisond by formats 2' 2. Optical videodisc and media storage capacity 4 3.Optical reflective videodisc system diagram 6
4.Data storage on videodisc 8
5. Optical transmissive videodisc system diagram 9 6.Capacitance videodisc system diagram 10 7.Combined optical/capacitance videodisc system diagram -12 8. Summary of major videodisc systems 14 9.Videodisc Innovations Project and logo 18 10. NATUL Project Fault Tree Apex 24 11..,Swanson's 1964 projection compared with videodisc 25
J INTRODUCTION
Professionals in the library, information, and instructional sciences have become I, somewhat awareof the videodisc/microcomputer systems entering the market during the latter part of .the decade 'of nib 1970's.Magnavision (P#ilips of North America) was the early entry into the market in December of 1978, with MCA. Discovision Associates (now a partnership of IBM and MCA Universal) entering the following year. Pioneer has been marketing its VP 1000 Laserdisc system since -artily 1980, and RCA has announced once again that it will enter the market in March 1981, rather than late 1980 as-previously announced. The many general questions received. by the authors by telephone and mail I. include letters from as far away as the People'sRepublic of China, with such requests as "send me all the informationyou have on videodisc," or, in many cases, "on microcomputers,i-or both.This Information Analysis. Product has been prepared for the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources to provide a general introduction to this technology and its applications. More detailed information en specific topics will be furnished by a series of technical reports to be issued by the Utah State University Center for Instructional Development. Titles will include (1) Benchmark Data for the #7820 Discovision Associates Videodisc Player; (2) Pilot Language Documentation for the Special Education-and Military Education Projects; (3) An Instructional Design Model for Develo ing Interactive Microcom uter VideolisC Instruction; (4) Videodisc Premastering and Scripting Procedures; (5) Cbmputer Interface Docume;:tation; (6) Microcomputer Evaluations and Technical Specifications;(7)State-of-the-Art of Optical Disc Technology for Consumer and Educational Use; and (8) Cigteria for the ,`.hDe.elopment of an Educational/Industrial Videodisc Player.
LIBRARY.AND INFORMAXION SCIEliCES
Librarians are by natur% and role definition evaluators, selectors, acquirers, and organizers of information.Because of recent advances in technology, that role has been added to, and, in many instances, specialized functions have been assumed by information scientists. The scholarly definition of technology as organized scientific knowledge appliecrto resolve practical, problems fits in well with their tasks and roles. However, they should be aware that, although formats of information are manifesta- tions of. information /instructional technologies, machines and mechanization are not synonymous with technology. Machines and mechanization are -manifestations or ,spinzoffs of technological advancement. The formats of information (software/courseware) are descriptors or reflectors of points in time of the library/information chron-,logy.The shades of ancient clay tablets remain with us today in refined formats of microfiche, and the papyrus rolls from the old Egyptian temple libraries remain as microfilm and motion .3 pictures. The computer drums and discs are a metamorphosis of stone cylinders of the distant pattt. The optical videodisc is an omnibus medium capable of storing all other information formats Ic.novin to date, including the printed page (not taken directly from present books, but specially designed video book publishing), art prints, and static slides or the dynamic motion film or videotapes, as well as digitized or analog data. Media Comparisons by Formats
BOOK Varied visual format with direct random access to information displayed Easily available at low expense for user/learner Readily reproduced at reasonable expense Limited interactivity and requires print literacy to use Lack of motion and sound, with a set level of user/learner dif ficulty Normally produced in one langua5., in each book Requires high user/learner motivation for pitxfuctive use
FILM &TELEVISION' Visual format may vary with use of audio and motion cababilities Easily available with limited variety of programing to user/learn:I May display photography. print and other static /dynamic information combinations 0 Traditional paSSwe info«nahon system with limited user/learner control Unique contributions to learning process but limited in depth of instruction SCUM information presentation traditionally with varying quality of format Learner /user productivity !muted by facts, of direct random access to information
COMPUTER 'Rapid direct random access 10 Predominantly printed information Relatively poor quality presentation format Interactwity may be maximized Jor reamer /user Limited motion. audio, and photography quality display Relatively expensive for individual learner/user Flexible learner/user monitormg with feedback capabilities Excellent learner/user productivity with varying entry levels 44 INTERACTIVE VlbEOD:3Ci o MICROCOMPUTER May cohibtne user /learner strengths of all three media above, Such as variety of information displays with prints photography, multiple audio traCks and languages, "freeze frame- and rapid accurate direct random access.with maximized learner/user control to vary non serially presented displays
O
Figure1. Media comparisons by formats. These brief comparisons of book, film/television, and computer formats suggest applications to library, information, and instructional sciences by, combining the user/learner strengths of traditional media in the newer high technology formats of interactive videodisc microcomputer systems.
For librarians and information scientists, itis essential to gain appropriate and /realistic perspectives of what videodisc alternatives exist and are available, as well as options that are likely to exist in the immediate future. As consumers in the sense of -acquiring formats of information to perform'tasks, library and information scientists should have a general understanding. of what videodisc technology is and the present state-of-the-art, and become cognizant of the impending *impact upon the library, information, and instructional sciences. Videodisc is not simply videotape on a disc! Many authors agreethatvide'odisc technologywill greatly affect society ,,generally.The videodisc interfaced to the personal microcomputer provides an "intelligent videodisc system"whichholds even,greaterpotentialforusein information/instructional settings, such as library media centers.Some authorities have suggested that the impact will be equal to or greater than that of print technology some 500 years ago.Library, information, and instructional scientists should not make hasty judgements about the videodisc medium. Although it has roots reaching back 50 years, it has been a reality--and that on a limited basigfor less than -3-,
-77 1. 4. two years.Only in 1981 has the optical videodisc system become more generally available to the library/information/instructional ,communities with greater .numbers and a wider range of software titles. The indications of more optical videodisc software/coursewareavail ability, through the cooperative efforts of Discovision Associates, Pioneer, Philips (Magnavox), and probably Sony Corporations working together in the Laser Vision/Optical Program- . ming Associates' efforts to. provide compatible. optical videodisc programming for these three major laser based systems, will become evident just prior to '12.CA's Selectivision arketing efforts around March 1, .1981.This will be marked by a AIcommon lo and identification symbol:
OPTICAL PROGRAMMING ASSOCIATES
VIDEODISC 'SYSTEMS
Of the numerous videodisc systems either on the market or .in .advanced stages of research and development, several will be of major interest.These systems can be' -placed in four major categories:
1. Optical reflective laser systems. Z.:\ Optical transmissive systeMs. 3. Capacitance or stylus systems, 4.Combined optical or capacitance systems.
Optical 'Refleciive Laser Systems The Accidental discovery by Philips and MCA that their research and develop- ment efforts were leading them to develop similar optical laser disc systems led to a gentleman's agreement to share in the development of the optical system which has been utilized by Philips in Europe (on different TV standards than theli.S.), Philips of North America through its subsidiary of Magnavox (Magnavision), and MCA Universal (Discovision). Similar systems have been developed by the Sonyal-1'4Pioneer Electronics Corporations in Japan, and the MCA/Philips designation has become a generic identification of these optical reflective videodisc systems.' Discovision Associates, formed later, was a partnership entered into by IBM and MCA's subsidiary' Discovision, Inc., which .to date has been the leader in the field. The DVA Videodisc Proddction Plant in Costa Mesa, California, has produced the great majority of the optical/reflective videodiscs available as software/courseware for the Magnavision, the Discovision; and the Pioneer Laserdisc.systems. Nearly 400 titles,re currently available, although not yet. listed in the soon to be ,published catalog of videodiic. programs compatible with the DVA, Magnavox, and Pioneer systems. Approximately 55 motion pictures are being reformate4 to videodisc annually, with more than 100 training, and educational programs being developed on videodisc each year.For example, IBM :now used 5(l videodisc titles` in the learning centers, and General Motors will have more than 100 titles in use in 1981. More recent discs will
8 '
include titles of Columbia Pictures and 20th Century Fox films, according to DVA spokesmen.Current titles include' more entertainment features (i.e., Jaws, Smokey and the Bandit varieties) but also educational titles and other titles which may be used for educational purposes.
1 The IBM /MCA industrial and educational videodisc system, manufactured by Universal Pioneer as well as the Pioneer Laserdisc and the Magnavision systpms,uses a helium-neon laser optics system which isdirected onto and reflected.lrom a-30cm disc rotating in use at 1500 rpm. The disc has a capacity of 54,000 framesppr side with a continuous playing time of 30 minutes per -side.Using a iechriique called "constant linear velocity"' (CLV), the optical videodisc can be extended to 60 minutes
Optical Videodisd and Media Storage Capacity rQ t
Nearly 400 Hours of High Two Hours 01 dontinous Fidelity Stereo Duality Dynamic Motion with Sound May Be Stored Multitne Sound Trcks/ and Played Back From" or One Hour of Combined A Single Videodisc 'Motion with "Freeze" Frame Capabilities On A Single Videodisc o 1
108.000 Slides. Pages. or Extended Programming Frames May Be Displayed v Wliert,Combined With From A Single Videodisc . Micro Computer To , ... . User/Loam:, Interactivity
IMay go on for days of uses/learning programs) ; ps
Figure 2.Optical videodisc and media storage capacity.Extensive media storage capacity of optical videodisc is summarized in this illustration.This illustrates the videodisc as something znore.than videbtape in a disc format. 9 ett - -5- p
4, of continuous motion play on each side.This CLV format disallows using single im4e freeze frame and is Primarily for motion pictureeto be played on the optical videodisc systems of Pioneer, Magnavox, Sony, and Discovision Associates.It should be noted that the Sony system' is not yet on the market and is reported to be only in them prototype stage. 'Current production techniques employed by Discovision' Associates. restrict the playing time to 27 minutes and 48,600 frames of visual information rather than the publicized 30 minute/54,000 frame capacity.However, when one analyzes the digital storage capacity as a computerized information storage device, the. optical laser videodisc surpasses existing storage media, including the ,magnetic computer discs with more than 13 billion bits (gigabits) of information. " a The Discovision Associates system provides a unique capability for external computer control aka computer is terface port is standard ;on model #7820, and the interface board Aeveloped at Utah State Univeisity with the VIP R&D efforts is readily available from Colony Productions of Tallahassee, 'Florida). The DVA system ,provides for dual audio-channels, variable slow motion, freeie, frame, random direct access searching within a range of one to five seconds, 'fast forwardarid reverse, and a variety of user programmable functions implementeCon'fbe resident microcomputer" which is also standard with the DVA #7820.A hand-held remote control devite, .similar to a hand-held calculatorallows 'a person direct control of the videodisc player by sending' signals to the unit by infrared light or connected cable. The DVA industrial/educational videodisc system has been used for some time with.the VIP and has been relatively maintenance -free. The U.S. Army has reported similarexperience with the DVA system in' very heavy use situations.The VE 'DVA model sells at this time for about $3,000, depending on how manysplayers are ordered. s.. 'Magnavision (Philips of NorEh America), one of the videodisc systems marketed for the' home, uses essentially thesame laser technology, minus 'the direct random access capabilities.Although the Magnavision must be manuall) searched; very much like a videotape player"; it searches at a more rapid, rate,. taking roughly 27 to 30 seconds to search frdm frame 0 to the end of the standard videodisc. Some problems of maintenance have been repotted in using the Magnavision players in educational settings, such as public and school library media centers; however, it should-be remembered that the system was produced for the home entertainment market and was not designedforthe' heavy use and - Searching. demanded -inlibrary and educational /training settings.
, Pioneer's Model VP #1000 (introduced in June 1980, along with DVA's Model #1000 which is similar) is more compact than the DVA Model #7820 and should not be .confused with it.The DVA Model #782u is specifically designed for industrial/ educational markets. The Pioneer player, however, is limited by the lack of a port for computer interface, and is four times slower in access time, although it provides a reasonable "less than 18 seconds maximum search time. for locating individual single video frames.It has a Atinote.control unit available similar to the DVA control, but minus the programming keys. Neither the Pioneer VP #1000 nor the DVA Model #1000 contains a resident microprocessor with programmable memory, as does the DVA #7820. The Pioneer VP #1000 does provide direct random access, a feature not yet available on $he MagnaviIion units.Because of Pioneer's reputation for its high fidelity ("bring it back alive ") eqUipment, the company is emphasizing the player's Stereo capability'which is provided by playing both cndio tracks in unison through plug- in stereo components. 'Pioneer has started a new subsidiaiy called Pioneer Artists, which will produce and acquire stereophonic musical performances for videodiscs. The Pioneer and DVA #1000 each sell for $750, plus $49 for the remote Control:
o 1.
et
Ogtical ReilectilieVideodisc System 12-in. aluminum- coated plastic disc 1.800 rpm
i oscopic pits in.- astic modulated fleeted light .
High-intensity% Microscope-, - light beam .objective 1 lens focilsies . eir laser bead 0 _ \ o . 0
Photodetector and signal converter f.
Figure 3.Optical ::eflective videodisc system diagrain.Number's One -through five show the path of the laser beam fromthe high-if tens*light beamto the surface' of the optical reflective .videodisc andthe reflected beam through the lensto .the signal converter for display and sound ona television receiver or monftor.
, . . . e sVideodisc mastering for the three optical videodiscsystems (DVA, Pioneer, and' .- Magnavision) is accomplished usingmaster source materials, usually videotapeor film. itibal disc replication isaccomplished by injection molding, making.it possible to create large' numbers of discs at -.lowcost after front-end production expenditures. l The replication of qualityprograms costs_.$5.00 per disc in lots ofas few as 50. Improved mastering techniquesare now being developed which will iibprove both,the quantity and quality of low, cost videodiscmastering and replication. It is this improv:- ingreilidatidn and low castthat provides the potential ofvideodisc publishing, which may eventually prove to be less costly than thestandard printed book of most libraries.Although books must be specificallydesigned for videodisc format, one.12:- 4 inch videodisc has the capacityto hold 300 such books with ,a31 each. average of 360' pages' . ',- -7-
The process for mastering videodiscs,and1the demonstration of the_ Pioneer and DVA videodisc systems, are shown on videodiscs- available from dealers in two versions. j The DVA version is often referred to as the "Columbo" disc because a 'segment from the TV show is used. to. demonstrate dual language applications in English and Japanese.The second is called the "Mr. Wizard" disc because the explanation of the PiOneer system is given by the TV personality, Mr. 'Wizard, who has explained many other._ -scientific-phenomena to TV audiences in the past. RCA has-announced and demonstrated an optical disc system (not to be confused with their capacitance Selectavision home entertainment -videodisc system) with recording and "direct read after write" (DRAW) capabilities (Bartolini, 1978).This system employs a lager technology with randomaccess to digital data on the order of 1011 bits f data. within 250 milliseconds.Certainly the impact ofhis system is likely to, be felt directly in the mass computer storageqmarket. Magnavox and Philips have also announced a prototype DRAW system with a storage capacity of 1010 to 1 011 bits, and access time of 70 milliseconds (Kenney; 1979; Buithius; 1979).These two systems yield an:effective digital storage capacity of 500,000 typewritten pages on a single- side of an optical disc.If these latter forms of disc technology become widely. available, the impact on information storage and retrieval should be. evident. Projected costi-of-data storage with these high density systems have been tentatively set.at 5x10-8 cents per hit.This compares quite favorably to the present computer disc pack costs on large scale systems of 5x10-4 cents per bit. With the recent parfnersuip. enteredI into by MCA and IBM to form iscovision Associates,it is to beexpected that DVA will also explore the potential of videodisc . as a computer storage device. In?, has-already demonstrated the capabilities to store programs bn 'the 'burrent videodiscs which down load digital data into the microproces- sor to rtuu currently available programs. This digital data storage technique has been extensively used witfrche DVA Geneial-Motors Training and Sales Videodiscs., (Gener- al Motors is the single largest customer of DVA, having purchased more than 12,000 units as the initial order.. The caterpillar Heavy Equipment 'Company will soon use videodisc -in direct sales work and probably for training.) The high density read/writeI optical. disc systems offer some unique advantages to those directly involliedwith information technology. Among these are: . - al
1.- Economy df data storage.
I. 2. Data in a computer compatible form..
3. Rapid access to massive amounts of user data:
fr 4. The .capacitj to fully integrate visual, print, audio, and Other digital data in a single massive electronic*rchival file.
While the discs used with DRAW systems are-not easily handled and reqqire "clean room" environinents, a technique of covering each disc in its .own clear 'protective envelope has greatly reduced this environmental limitation.Tentitive archival storage projections give the discs a reliable data storage file life of 10 years, as_compared to two orthiee years of archival life with magnetic storage media. -8-
Data Storage on Videodisc BIT PATTERN 1+-80NSi OPJECTIVE `1 0000 LENS 0 0001 0 0010 0 ._, 0011 ,.... 0 ,-, 0100 CD 0101 0 tc_.: ,- , 0110 CD ,_, 0111 C) :2' 1000 C---) ._, 1001 \ =.; 1010 \\ () ...,...... \(= ....0 1100 (s )., 1101 (\') i" `, 1110 ( );.' 1111 ) 16 LEVEL 16pm PDM g 0.1/1 m 0.6ft m PROTECTIVE COATING REFLECTIVE LAYER BASE MATERIAL
Figure 4.Data storage on- videodisc.The bit patterns for storing digital data on optical videodisc are graphically represented here. Digital data storage on the optical videodisc makes it one of the-most dense storage mediums at this time.
Optical Transmissive Laser Systems Thompson CSF (the giant French electronics firm), has produced an optical disc that, unlike the reflective laser systems, is flexible and can be optically read from either side without removing the disc from the player.In terms of features and overall storage capacity, the system is equal to that provided by the other laser read systems, i.e., 54,000 frame capacity on each side, and access time of approximately three seconds, In terms of software support, Thompson is not directly linked with any large base of entertainment or educational materials. Mastering and disc replication are reported to be inexpensive and reliable, and the discs may be played in especially rough and difficult environments, such as a moving army tank. Players have been used by such firms as Hughes, and institutions of higher education such as Florida State University.Dr. Alfred Bork of the University of California, Irvinethe person credited with creating the term "intelligent videodisc"has also had experience with the Thompson players and expresses satisfaction with the units. -9-
ARDEV (Atlantic Richfield Development, a subsidiary of Atlantic Richfield, Inc.) has a low cost film-based system in research and development stages.Dr. Peter Wohlmut is directing most of the efforts with the ARDEV system; hence, the system seems to follow the same general plan as Wohlmut developed with I/O Metrics, Inc. (now -defun-c-t) a few years. ago. -The ARDEV system is designed to handle analog or digital information and provide freeze frame, slow motion, and random access search capabilities. Video quality will probably not approach that of other optical videodisc systems, but disc replication and production costs could be much lower. The ARDEV system will use a transmissive disc somewhat like the Thompson CSF videodisc system. It would not be surprising to see the French firm of Thompson manufacture the ARDEV players in the future, based o^ what the authors view as similarities.The Thompson and the ARDEV systems are, by best guess, still two years away from large scale marketing.It is projected that the ARDEV system will likely be purchased by a company interested in training systems--e.g., Hughes or McDonald Douglasrather than being marketed directly by Atlantic Richfield.
. Optical Transmissive VideodiscSystem
Photodetector and signal converter
...A-1,800 rpm Thin plastic foil disc
Microscopic pits in plastic modulate transmitted light
Microscope High-intensity light beam objective lens focuses laser beam 1 0 2
Figure5.Optical transmissive system diagram. The high-intensity light beam in this system is not reflected, but rather passes through the transparent videodisc carrying the signal to the converter and to the television receiver or monitor. This system is very stable under conditions of movement or stress while it is in operation, e.g., in a military tank or other rough riding vehicle. -10-
Capacitance or Stylus Videodisc Systems Another type of videodisc includes two major systems. These are the yet to be released to market RCA Selectavision and the first videodisc system to be introduced to the marketsome,years ago, the TED (Telefunken/Decca) system. The TED system firS1 introduced videodisc in a 10-minute disc format-played on a machine very much like a phonograph player, including the stylus. The disc is a thin sheet of plastic foil, which allows discs to be produced inexpensively. Thus far, the system has not had any major impact on the market and simply does not offer the extensive features of the more sophisticated educaticinaVindustrial laser systems.It is likely, however, that a modified TED will become the "Videodisc Juke Box" of the future.
Cipacitance VideodiscSystem
Electronic signal converter
Stylus glides over spiral groove Thin metal 1 electrode Groove ha f the width of a human hair
12-in. vinyl disc
1
450 Metal Oil film Styrene
Figure 6.Capacitance videodisc systems diagram.The capacitance (mechanical stylus) system was earlier introduced on the TED videodisc systems, and most recently used with the RCA Selectivision Videodisc System to be introduced in 1981 to the general home video markets. It will produce an a4equa'e video signal, but is limited in "search and freeze frame" because of the apparent wear sin the disc when played other than linearly. RCA has:, been issuing press releases for the last several years on a low cost capacitance system known as Selectavision, using the same name as their videotape recording system. The cost is to be under $500 when it enters the market. RCA once more announced just before Christmas 1980, that they will enter the market in March of 1981.It appears that this time they mean business, and will commence a media blitz to capture the home market, if possible.The low price has appeal, but the Selectavision is a continuous playback system only,very similar to present record players! and, surprisingly, is only monaurala real shock for those who expect stereo quality of the like given from laser systems. The RCA system may not be-searched but will. have a pause capability which appears to cause considerable wear when compared to the non-wearing laser-based videodisc-systems. It will be unfortunate for the library, information, and instructional sciences if the RCA system floods the market and curtails the entrance of the information/educational laser-based videodisc systems into the home market, which will do much to set the tone and future of the library/information/instructional markets. An unsuspecting and less sophisticated segment of the American population will probably purchase the RCA system believing that "videodisc is videodisc," and learn too late the extreme -limitations (in terms of library, information searching, and instructional uses) of this system.Nonetheless, RCA will have a major system on the market, with the content of vast software stores of CBS Television and Paramount Pictures by an agreement which hiss already been signed. RCA and Zenith Radio have signed agreements to share each other's patented videodisc player developments, with the expected result that Zenith will also market a capacitance videodisc system for under $500 about mid-1981. Librarians and other educators should be hopeful that the laser videodisc technology will be refined on a mass market .basis, and that the lowering of prites will become possible to meet the low cost competition of the capacitance systems. 'This could move towarda standard for videodisc which would allow the more versatile laser-based systems to dominate. the home market, which has such a great influence on the educational/industrial market. The current videodisc companies fail to push hard enough in the research and development battlesofthetechnologies, especially in the important software/courseware development and availability.The impact any of the videodisc systems will finally have will be nr-large part determined by the easy, inexpensive availability of educational and entertainment programming. Library media personnel should be aware that 3M has a magnetic capacitance videodisc under development that could prove to be of major importance asan authoring medium for the laser optical videodisc systems.Because if is- a magnetic system, it will be subject to the traditional storage and playback limitations of other magnetic storage media. -.The systemshould be available at relatively low cost and could make widely available some of the same features associated with magnetic disc systems used for instant replay on network broadcast TV. No reliable information is available concerning storage capacity or special features of the 3M system. Library media personnel should also be aware that 3M is setting up a videodisc replication center in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area which will deal with all videodisc formats.
Combined Optical/Capacitance Systems J.V.C. (Victor. Company of Japan), has announced a unique low cost videodisc system that will incorporate a stylus for continuous play application and laser optics technology to provide freeze frame, slow1fast motion, and rapid airect random access. 1
-12-
The Matsushita Company of Japan has adopted the JVC approach, making video/audio high density disc systems a very prominent part of the Japanese videodisc efforts. The JVC system is designed to be a low cost consumer systeni with probable- educational applications.
Numerous other small developments are taking place interms of disc players, % new methods for disc replication, and totally new concepts for rapid access to visual and audio information. With change as the constant, seandardsare unlikely to be with us for some time. For example, a spin-off from the videodisc technology develop- ments is the compact audio disc developed by Philips, and demonstrated in 1979. Philips claims the new system offers "an unprecedented improvement in sound quality f
Combined Optical/Capacitance VideodiscSystem
Electronic signal converter 4s_ 3 Stylus glides 'over grooveless disc
Thin metal electode 2 `\12-in. conductive PVC disc
1
900 rpm
, Figure 7.Combined optical/capacitance system diagram. The combined system has been used primarily by the Victor Company of Japan (JVC), and provides fora grooveless disc which is tracked by a laser and the signal taken from the disc bya mechanical stylus which "floats," making slight contact with the disc. This system has yet to be marketed in the United States but appears to be nearing release.
C;
.., ir 4. -13-
and realism."This new compact audio disc is based on digital recording rather than traditional analog sound recording techniques. The original sound waves are analyzed . thousands of times each second, with the result that each sound wave is converted into 14-bit binary codes, which are. then transferred into approximately six billion bits which are burned into the disc° to be recorded by pits similai to those on videodiscs. A one-hour stereo audio disc recorded on one side is only 434 inches in diameter and less than 1 /16th inch in thickness (Gray, 1980).Philips has also experimentally placed more than 400 hours. of high fidelity stereo sounds on a 12-inch disc. Each of the systems described will have to 'meet the ultimate tests of the marketplace and succeed, or fail as they will.Virtually all of the systems offer a potential revolution in communicationc and information technology. Multimedia materials may now be delivered on an inexpensive scale much as we now deal with printed information sources. With the increased costs of manufacturing the traditional book, the "generic book," further refined from the videodisc technology, may be a welcome advent in the library, information, and instructional sciences.
VIDEODISC IS NOT A PANACEA
,It may appear to library' media specialists, as,viell as educational and instruction- al development specialists, that videodiscs could provide a solution -to° the multiple problems plaguing library media centers in terms of both cost factors and space . management.Because videodiscs appear to be a universal medium, library media specialists might expect them to instantly replace the ;traditional book (or in some cases fear .,such replacement), . as well as film, microtext, and video and audio recordings. Augmented computer storage systems could also be expected. 'However, the videodisc, in spite of its great promise, should not be regat led as a panacea. It must be kept in mind that videodiscs, even when interfaCed to the microcoin- puter (as,-has been successfully developed and demonstrated at Utah State University o and other places), are not the ultimate replacement for all media, even though their unique characteristics will undoubtedly have a strong impact.Immediate overly optimistic expectations may be more harmful than helpful.Many LLB (library, information, and instructional sciences) professionals are from the "instant generation" identified a few years ago by S. L Hayakawa, and they find it difficult to accept that the videodisc systems, together with a massive store of accompanying software/ courseware, are not instantly available. Along with the overly enthusiastic optimism, there is the more cautious reaction, e.g., "We are waiting for,the technology to settle down, and then we will purchase and try it out:"Other practitioners plan to, consider purchase of videodisc. when ther6 is more courseware available. Some criticism is heard because hardware, software, and courseware are not instantly available and designed to specification.It seems more likely, however, that just as with the motion picture, television, microcomputer, and other communications technology, the introduction will come in the entertainment/ home markets prior to the adoption in the educational community which will allow the hew high communications technology to become "instructional technology."Those waiting for the videodisc to "settle down" may be waiting for what never was and never will be. It will probably continue to change constantly as the other media do. The LIIS professionals will determine in large part how the videodis.c technology is diffused by the support they give it in the early stages, especially in the educational
1 0 C.) -14-
market. It 'is not impossible that this medium couldcome in as a major information/ 'I educational tool, aliaost at the same time that it is being diffused insociety as a home entertainment medium. One Shduld perhaps view the "chickenand the egg" system,. and recognize that'"chickens" are themeans by which "eggs" reproduce themselves. Which comes first may be more a point of view. It isevident that videodisc 'hardware must be in the field before large amounts of softwareiand courseware will be developed and marketed. Ifthe initial stock of software andcourseware for diStribution is not, at a sufficient level to make thehardware/software combination alluring to libiary and instructional professionals forpurchase, the technology will be doomed, regardleSs of its many:capabilities and charaCteristics.Most development programi that fail do so, not because of their lackof potential, but because of lack of logistical support.A recognized principleappears to be that hardware systems
MAJOR VIDEODISC SYSTEMS AT A GLANCE
Name of System Type of System Available Price Discovision Associates Optical Reflective 1978 $2500-3000
Pioneer Laserdisc 'Optical Reflective 1980 $750-.800.
Philips Optical Reflective .1978 $2500-3000 . s )4 Magnavision Optical Reflective 1979 $750.800
-,-/ Thomson-CSF Optical Transparent 1980 $3000-4000
TED- Grooved Capacitance 1975 NA
RCA Selectavrsioo Grooved Capacitance - 1981 4 $400-500
JVC Grooveless Capacrtan,.. NA NA .. . Sony Optical Reflective 1980 $2500.3000
Atlantic RichfieldARDEV Optical Transparent NA NA
Figure 8.Summary of major videodisc systems.The major videodisc systemsare summarized on this chart. There are other videodisc systems undergoingresearch and development efforts.As noted earlier in this report,a number of changes may take place in the near future.
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development -always precedes the development of software/courseware.Each new medium of the past has produced mixed reactions, but a classic isa letter Thomas A. Edison wrote concerning the invention of the emotion picture.He stated that, in his opinion, the film would-become the "master medium":
...To me this is'lencouraging news, being indicative ofan. awakening of educators and of their inclination to avail themselvesof modern developments. As you know, it has been my profound conviction for many years that education__through_the-medium of- the--eye -is more complefe-arid convincing, and.more easily acquired thanby textbooks or oral teaching.I do not decry the latter, but think in thecourse of time they (books) will be used as supplementary onlyto .motion picture teaching. (Reproduced in Wood and Smellie, 1980,p. 51)
LIIS professionals must work together to maximize the utilizationof videodisc systems if the technology is to realize its full potential in inforniation/instructional settings.The library media professionals should be concernedwith the aspect's of selection, acquisition, storage, retrieval, distribution, utilization,and maintenance 'of materials and devices, i.e.,the all important logisticalsupport services. The, systematic approach to design, production, evaluation,and utilization of complete systems of instruction, including allappropriate components and a management -pattern for using them, is the important domain of the instructional development specialists.The generation of specifications for learningresources /instructional system components should b'e the concern of the instructionaldesigner, while the instructional prodUZA development specialist is concerned withthe design, production, and evaluation of isolatedsets_of instructional materials, devices,and techniques. The information/instructional system ISaunique combination andarrangement of the elements of the information/instructional process- designedto achieve predetermined objectives, as well as broader goal-freeaccess to information.- -Mass media presenta- tion formats, of the printed page and broadcast )media,..aswell as individual "user" information/instructional systems like videodisc/microcomputertechnology thit go beyond prescribed bounds of learning, should be of equalconcern.The videodisc/ microcomputer technology has great potential in these combinedareas of interest within the broad scope of the library, information, and instructionalsciences, and professionals in these fields should be alert to the key role they willplay in its diffusion. The impact of this technology in the immediatefuture will likely be felt in the use of videodiscs as:
1. An inexpensive means of Publishing information and instructional materials in all the traditional formats; e.g., books, films, and
2. A medium (videodisc /microcomputer interfaced) whichmay be r-odified as an information/instructional storage and retrieval system, which will be far more versatile and eventually lower in cost than any of the traditional formats, including the book, microtext, or computer.
3. A medium which will capture all the existing media formatsfor storage (even books reformatted for video display), interlacing segments of motion/sound, mute frame-single image multiple language, or combinations of motion/sound lrute /still images. 2 =IP
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Videodisc has massive capacity, as yet relatively untapped,as an audio medium (400 hours+), as a computer storage medium (some 14 billion bits), or as a still image with -sound (250 slide/sou.id programs of 80 images each (with lip to 45' seconds of com- pressed sound with each image on current ARDEV developmental systems), or two hours of combined sound and motion, withtwo. sound tracks for stereo effect, multiple language,or "dual pass" instruction (using the. two sound tracks to contain different levels :of audio _information, similar to different readinglevels, but with the same illustrations). 4.A low cost medium for media producers to disselninate. the wide- variety of information/instructional programs to library media markets on a much larger scale. Although the front- end ; productiOn costs will not be lessened, the distributioncosts for a greatly expanded market provide the major projected future impact for the library, information, and-instructional sciences.
Dr. Andrew R. Molnar of the National Science Foundationsays:
Discoveries of fundamental importanceare occurring in all areas of science at an incredible rate. Howevei, )ntinued growth- and exploitation of information rests- not onlyon science's ability to produce new knowledge, but also on society's ability to learnand apply knowledge in a productive way.If we are to continue to reap the advantages of the information explosion, we neednew powerful 'intellectual tools to augment and expand human capacityto reason and work-smarter.--The National Science Foundation has initiateda research and development thrust for a proof-of-concept demonst.a- tiort of an intelligent videodisc sy-stem forscience education in the hope that it will stimulate others to seeknew instructional paradigms and to explore new technological innovations foruse in the learning society. (Molnar, 1979, p. 11)
USU CENTER FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
USU VIP staff are associated with the NSF Intelligent Videodisc Projectwitthe 'University of Utah's Physics Department.It is for some of the reasons mentione by Molnar that the Center for Instructional Product Development (CIPD) initiatedthe VIP at Utah State University with the financial and philosophical support of the University Provost and Vice President for Research,as well as the Dean and Associate Dean for Research of 'the College of. Education.1,: is important that answers to the questions of what videodiscclk) microcomputer tachnologies offerlibrarians, 'educators, and trainers in business eeucation, government, military, andother information settings be found, and the preseic esearch and development efforts of the CIPDare concerned with how a videodisc doni access system varies from a system basedupon a videotape base; why mass distribution of videodiscs is, likelyto begin a new revolution in video publishing and programming; and what its impact willbe upon industrial training, schools, colleges, and Library /media /information \N centers.
21.. ? 7177
The Center for Instructional Product Development was begun in 1977 as the Research and Development Laboratory of the Department of Instructional Media (Library Science and Instructional Systems Technology).The major goals of the Center are to enable graduate students who are involved in academic programs at the magters,'specialists; and doctoral levels to have real life experiences with work and clients who contract with the CIPD to investigate, design, develop, and evaluate various :aspects_and_phenomenainvolved- in information/instructional media and technologies. The USU Videodisc Innovation Project (VIP) was one of thtse efforts, initiated locally because of the lack of financial interest from state and federal funding agencies or private industries.in the early years and stages of R&D work with videodisc/microcomputer technologies. The first major VIP project was the design, development, production, and evaluation of USU Videodisc #1, which was publicly shown and demonstrated with microcomputer interface at_the_AECT.National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, in March 1979.More than 1,500 professional 1Thrary, information, and instructional personnel participated in a National Interactive Videodisc SeminIF,kbroadcast by satellite to more than 100 ground stations to share information learned from the VIP R&D efforts (Williamson, 1980).
1, Since* the inception of the Videodisc Innovations Project, growing interest and new developments in the videodisc/microcomputer technologies have made it neces- sary to broaden the R&D base from a single project to the multiple efforts included in the USU Videodisc Innovation Projects.Seieral other major projects also doing research in this area are:
O
1. Control Data Corpokation PLATO/Videodisc SIMTAB Project (Simulation and Training in Agri-Business) which will conclude in June of 1981.
2.The Interactive Microcomputer/Videodisc USAREUR Project (United States Army Education in Europe) with the UniverSity of Maryland.
3. National Science Foundation Intelligent Videodisc Demonstration of 'Proof-of-Concept" Project with the Universityof Utah Physics Department.
4. Bureau of Education for the Handicapped, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.,
5. The annual National Videodisc/Microcomputer institute (NVMI), first funded by the U.S. Office of Education's Library Training Programs.
2° C
-18: 1t
ec t
Figure 9.Videodisc Innovations Project and logo. Utah State University':; Videodisc Innovations Project has been fire basis for several research, development, and training efforts.It is to be hoped that this project, represented by the bold logo in theupper right-hand -corner of this figure, will continue to provide leadership and shared expertise from future research, development, and trainingprograms with videodisc/ - .microcbmputer proijects. .
t* REVIEW OF SELECTED VIDEODISC LITERATURE TREATING LIBRARY, INFORMATION, ANY) INSTRUCTIONAL SCIENCES APPLICATIONS
Published literature dealing directly with videodisc applications to libraries is rare. One of the earliest articles, which appears in Utah Libraries (Bradshaw, 1975), suggests the publication of "Videotextdiscs" which "would contain a book in freeze- frame pages for read0g, followed by the film or television producer'S version of the same book for dynamic motion viewing. Other suggestions are made of what might be done to enhance more rapid acceptance of videodisc utilization in'libraries. Another article suggested the use of videodiscs for library cataloging with the possibility. of storing some four million catalog cards on seven videodiscs (Willocks, 1975). Apaper
. 23 - 1 9 -
and slide presentation given at the national convention of the American Library Association by a representative of Philips of North America (Hensey, 19,77) confirmed the compatibility of the Philips Magnavision and the MCA Discovision systems. Following-that.presentation, a spokeswoman for ALA wrote a pessimistic article entitled "Whateverliappened,to the Videodisc?" which reflected the earlier mentioned impatience and skepticism of the new technolp^.-, as well as disgruntlement ,olier premature announcements concerning the adver itthe-videociisc.The ALA article did, however, suggest applications Tor ,library reference services-4.nd information storage and retrieval with.the caveat that such applications were far inhe-future (Boyle, 1977).More optimistic articles have since been authored by Boyle. (1979a, 1979b) and others treating the videodisc as a medium with which to be knowledgeable and concerned (e.g., Cherry, 19'80).An article featuring the USU VIP programs will appear in American Libraries in the April 1981. Another writer and a library researcher working with videodiscs suggested a much more optimistic view of the videodisc technology as applied to educational settings, including libraries and videodisc publishing of journals and magazines, which would undoubtedly affect library/inforniation/instructional specialists (Wood, 1976; Wood and .,$tephens,1977,1978). Other articles have appeared which forecast videodisc potential for school and public libraries,(Gray,1978) and reviewed the unique capabilities of videodisc and the anticipation orlibraries eagerly awaiting the advent of the new medium because of its durability, accessibility, and capacity for massive storage of materials in visual, sound, and print formats (Rice, 1978). A Futurist article which appeared in the spring of 1978 focused on videodisc combined with other technologies to form a major library information delivery system (Smith, 1978).By the fall of 1978, a prototype MCA DisCovision microprocessor controlled random direct access videodisc system was demonstrated by a library information' scientist (Wood) to a group of science and math educators meeting at a National Science Foundation Seminar in Salt Lake City, Utah (November 2, 1978). A general annotated bibliography on videodisc technology, including libxary applications, was published in late 1978 ,(Wood, 1978b) at almost the' same time as an article describing the optical videodisc for data processing innovations (Gunther, 1978). The firstnational demonstration of the Utah State University Videodisc Innovations Pxoject (VIP), directed by a library/information/instructional scientist, was reported in a special issue of Educational and Industrial Television (Wood, 1979c).The VIP demoVrations, sponsored by the National Association of Learning Laboratory Direc- tors MAUD), went' on for a full day. at the 1979 AECT national convention in New Orleans. This was followed by demonstrations &Sing the next two days which incuded a joint' presentation/demonstration with Tom Held of the National Library of Medi.: cine's Lister Hill Biocommunications Center and Robert, Woolley, a member of the USU VIP research team (Ackerman, 19791,, as well as demonstrations by Smellie, Wood, and Woolley'at the AECT "Showcase of Excellence." "Other demonstrations were given by Thorkildsentoa congressional committeeinApril1979(U.S.,Congress, Houses ...4980, p. 236), and to the special educators attending AECT (Thorkildsen et al., 1979). Not even standing room was available for the VIP AECT presentation/ demonstrations, an indication of the high degree of interest generated in the library mediacornmunities for videodisc, and especially for the microcomputer interface and .touch panel control developed at USU. 144 , The Utah State 'University Videodisc Innovations Project provided the basis for the first National Videodisc /Microcomputer Institute (NVMI), held on the USU Logan campus in June of 1979.This NVMI provided hands-on learning for 111 library media specialists from .statelibraries, .state public education departments, and a few s.
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representativesfrommilitary,religious,business,andindustrialorganizations (Patrick, 1979) It appears that the government of West.' Gerinanythrough the Goethe Institute--will fund the May 1981 Videodisc /Microcomputer. Institute as a seminar which will deal with video and microcomputer language learning systems.Participa- fion in this conference will be by invitation only. More coverage of the USU VIP appeared in a special issue of Information World (Armstrong, 1979) A VIP presentation and demonstration for the, American. Society for Information Science in Minneapolis, Minnesota (October 16, 1979) served as the starting point for the development of this ERIC publication. Another brief mention of the USU VIP appears in 1979 in a general survey article which describes the major U.S. . videodisc projects (Merrill and Bennion, 1979). . Concern about copyright was expressed bylibrarians at the first NVMI because oithe statement of copyright restrictions on the MCA produced videodiscs. The discs,, which are distriblited for playback on Magnavision, Discovision, an4 Pioneer laser- based videodisc systems, are labelA "For Home Use Only."The content of a letter dated April 23; 1979- to Robert We'dgeworth, Executive. Secretary of the American Library Association, from legal counsel Newton N. Minow of the firm of Sidney & Austin, is quoted here:
You asked our opinion concerning a public library's use of videodiscs which bear a label For Home Use Only." We understand that libraries desire to purchase such videodiscs for normal library circulation and in-library use.Although the issue_ is a novel one and not entirely free from doubt, we believe that they st may lawfully do so, that such use of these materials does not constitute copyright infringement or breach of Contract.Libraries .% O should not, however, exhibit the,prograrns to a substantial audience. A claim of copyright infringement would hate to be based on unauthorized distribution or performance of the copyrighted work. The Copyright Revision Act of 1976, however, recognizes explicitly the right of the lawful owner of a copy of a copyrighted work "to sell or otherwise dispose of the possession" of such a copy without the copyright owner's authority (Section 109). Thus, libraries are free to loan the videodiscs to members of the public, just as they would a book. . Moreover, individual use of the videodiscs in the library or at home would not constitute an infringement of the copyright owner's exclusive right to perform the work publicly.While playing the videodisc at home is a performance, it is not "public" for purposes of the Act. To perform a work publicly means "to perfortn...at a place Aft open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a faimly and its social acquaintances is gathered..." (Section 101).This clearly excludes home use, and we believe it also excludes an individual's viewing of a videodisc at the library, because the viewer typically will be in a private room and because a substantial number of 'persons would not be gathered for purposes of viewing the program.We suggest, however, that libraries not use videodiscs in programs for the public
25 s
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at large, as in projecting a movie on a big screen in a meeting room, cult4a1 center, or the like.
While there is ,thus, little.likelihodd that a library'suse of .the videodiscs would constitute copyright infringement, itpossible that . a copyright owner would attempt to prevent such use based doa. contraCt..theory."For Home Use Only" could be read es simplya -restatement of the, copyright olvners exclusive perfoimance rightsas discussed above, or as a .condition ,of the sale.If the videodiscs are sold to librarieg-by the-mahufacturer. or his agent, it is unlikely that the legend' could be held_to be a condition of gale since library-use would clearly be. contemplated by the parties. Further, there issome case law which holds such restrictions to be invalid:In RCA Mfg. , Co., inc. v..Whitman, 114 F., 2nd 86? 90' and Cir. 1940), the court held that the legend on records,. "Not Licensed for Radio Broadcast," constituted an invalid "servitude .upon' the record.V analogous :to resale prI restzictions 'and other antitrust 'violations.See also, Universal Film Mfg. Co. v. Copperman, Z1'8 Fed. 577 (2nd Cir. 1914/condition on gale of film that it "should not, be soldor hired out outside of country where purchased held-invalid). In both thesecases, the courts found restrictions on use inconsistent with-the concept -of an outright sale.If -possession of the videodiscs was transferred by lease or license, such restrictions possibly would be appropriate and legally binding. While there is always the risk of legal action by the vendor of the 'videodiscs, we believe that the legal position regarding u'se of the videogliscs, in the library or in patrons' homes is a sound arid. justifiable one, We hope this useful.Please let usknow if we can. be of further assistance. (1978-79 ALA Executive Board Document)
Two of the most informative general articleson videodisc-systems appeared in Panorama (Lachenbruch, 1980a) and in Business Week (Videodiscs..., 1980). Thesetwo articles provide descriptions of the several videodisc systems witha projection of the market for sales and use. in the next decade; however, both articlesare more concerned with the features of hardware iyst7ms then with software/courseware.
ABC/NEA SCHOOLDISC PROGRAM:
An exciting current project is the ABC/NEA Schooldisc Program.. A description of this program by Wilhelms (1980) reports that 20 videodiscs of one-hour playingtime be released every'two. weeks during the 40-week schoolyear of 1981., The first experimental disc was viewed in July 1980, and was disappointing in -that itwas intentionally and restrictively designed to avoid upstaging the teacher whomay. be usingit,in an effortto motivate and enhance, teacher use of the vid*odisC: Unfortunately, the concept is poorly conceivedand not well executed. The fi:;tdisc suffers from a mind set that videodisc is simply videotape ina different format and Asses the mark interms of effective use of its' unique eatures and instructional power. Some of the preliminary decisions may account for 'criticisms that the materials are.lacking in design: 2d e -22-
1. Each hour of material would contain six 10-minute segments: one each in lapguage skills, social studies, science, -and the arts; _ in addition, one segment would always be devoted to current events, and one would be reserved for in-service messages to teachers. 2.The material would be recorded on videodiscs but will also be available on tape. (Wilhelms, 1980, p. 62GE)
It would seem the very conception of the project liinits the design toa videotape on disc forMat; although the attempt may -be more enterprising.The system will capture. the videotape messages very well, but if that is the purpose, it would seem that the tape is the preferred medium, except for the cost of distribution. Teachers are serving as the designers for the Schooldiscs, 'apparently without assistance from professional instructional" developers or designer specialists.. This procedure' would seem to limit the program's success in realizing, a videodisc production, rather :than a redone,videotape anthology of ABC off-the-shelf materials reviewed by teachers.It appears that few totally new production segments will be done-specifically for the Schooldiscs program.
, In an-articlethat appeared in the Phi Delta Kappan, Gough (1980)suggests that there are three major flaws in the program design.First, she points out that the target audience and content frameWorkat least for the four subject-matter-related segmentsclosely parallel the Agency for Instructional Television's "ThinkAbout," which was ready in September 1979 and- i§ already in use inmany. claisrooms in the U.S. and Canada. She considers theprocess of- instructional design, which depends, L almost entirely on'a handful of classroom teachers, to bean even more serious flaw. Five experienced, intermediate teachers selected by NE-A met in-Janttary 1'980 forone week .to establish the grid of themes,' subject matter content, and skillson which piogram-prOduction would be based. In February, the same-teachers.metto evaluate - scripts and proposed visuals, and to write a guide for a pilot videodisc to be classroom tested in the fall of 1980.This same process took the developers of "ThinkAbout,". who were already experienced. in .creating '.classroom televisionre- sources, mo.e than two years. The fact that the instructional diSign of -.Schooldiscs will be .totally teacher:devetoPeda fact stressed by ABC and NEA executives underlines the ladk of input from professional instructional, designers and deVelopers, whic)h,together .;v4th the lack of adequate time And -budgets, and the limited cokeptualization, orikeprogram, is seen as a serious deterrent to the.production of high quality materials. Gough also'sees the- distribution of -theprogram as -a package with the videodisc player at about $700 and the discs at $7.50 to $16.00as a major flaw.
We disagree with this last criticism. The cost of theprograms is far less than for videocassette, and the hardware component in the package will be needednot only for the currently_ available Schooldiscs, but forany programs that will be produced in the future by the project. There are also a number of otherprograms 'on videodisd. that can be used with the same systems.We also feel that this distribution of hardwar% and courseware ina single package will result in making videodisc more easily available to larger numbers of educators, thereby speedingup the diffusion Process and adoption of the new technologies.Gough also points out some of the strengths of the program:
27
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The ABC/NEA project does have some promising features, not the least of which is hardware...Videodiscs have two obvious advan- tages.First, -they allow teachers to use programs at times conven- ient to them. Second, they will be cost effective, once the hardware is in place.If ABC and NEA manage to install videodisc playback equipment in a significant number of classrooms, other instructional television producers will no doubt retool immediately to fake-advan- tage_of the fact. In that event, classroom television may never again be the same.(Videodisc technology seems likely to affect television use most profoundly in secondary schools, where -inflexible schedules make the use of television broadcasts difficult.) The current events segment of ABC /NEA Schooldiscs is another of the project's promising features. This segment will be developed by the ABC news staff, using commercial television footage.How- ever,content will have to be chosen with care to avoid dated materials. NEA, which has long pushed for more effective classroom use of television technology...will develop and control the content of the in-service Schooldisc segments and ABC/NEA Schooldiscs will dem- onstrate ABC's concern for children's. programming... This collabo- ration is the first of its kind in the U.S., and the effort could significantly change classroom practice in the decade ahead. (1980)
_In an earlier issue of Phi Delta Kappan, Wood and Stephens projected both the use of videodisc technology in education and its benefits to education in improving the quality of learning (1977). However, it will do little good for NEA's stamp of approval and ABC's cooperation if the flaws of the Schooldisc program are overly apparent in the finished products which will be scrutinized and criticized by so niany who are watching videodisc. It could develop into one of the greatest setbacks (a la "I told you it wouldn't work better" syndromes) to the greatest advance in diffitsion of this important technology.The subsequent impact of such a sethack upon the library, information, and instructional sciences should be apparent. In his_review of the motivations and detriments to educational use of intelligent videodisc systems, Eastwood points out that many of the traditional barriers to acceptance are the same as those for other technologies (1978, 1978-79).However, the current library, literature reflects a growing acceptance, at least to the point of "Try it, you'll like it" (Cherry, 1980).
PROPOSED FAULT FREE ANALYSIS
A spin-off from U.S. space research. Fault Free Analysis (usually called Fault Tree Analysis or FTA) has been used by Wood in such library, information, and instructional science research as the NATUL Project (National Needs Assessment of Teacher Use of Library Media Centers) and Project EAR (Educational Audiologist Research to Develop an Ed.D. curriculum at USU). The NATUL Project was reported at the ALA Library Research Round Table and reported in the 1977 Proceedings.
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FTA is defined as a technique for increasing the probability of success in any system or organization by analyzing the most likely modes of failure that could occur. The objectives are FTA are to isolate and identify the failure events and thereby develop strategies and means to rectify or avoid them. A Fault Free Analysis would be useful to identify and prioritize the failure -events of the diffusion procesS of videodisc technology to libraries, information agencies, and instructional and training settings so as to provide for a smoother pr,ocess.(See Williamson, 1980; Wood, 9976, 1977a, 1978b; Wood et al., 1979.)
NATUL Project Fault Trpe Apex. Task A Use of Materials
Task 8 Use of DevKes
Task C Use of Tecnmoues Funct.on A Task 0 Use of Evutun Use of Settings Learning Resources Task E Use of People
Task F Use of Content Task A use of Organnanonal Management Mvsuon Statement Function 8 Task B Effective Use of totxxv Use of Instruct.ona: Use of Personnel Med.a Centers by Teachers Management Management she Futhre Decade f Task A Use of Research
Task B Use of Deur
Task C F nston Use of Production
Use of Leatrung Task 0 Resources Development Use of Evaluation
Task E Use of Utobtanon
Task F Use of Chstubutoon
Figure 10.NATUL Fault Tree Apex. The NATUL Project was designed to determine particular problems associated with teacher use of library media centers. However,a similar methodology could be used to determine particular problems in other.settings.
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CONCLUSION
In 1963, Don Swanson, former Dean of the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Library and Information Science, inferred in a talk on "Design Requirements for a Future Library" that a system which would have the capacity to hold 2,000 reels of high density magnetic tape to store 1011 bits of information2 and contain a future National Union catalog at the cost of 40 million dollars, with access time to any part withinfourminutes,would becosteffective(1964,p.20). The present videodisc /microcomputer systems of 1981 could store the entire National Union Catalog on-one disc using digitized data storage, and provide an average access time of 2.5 seconds, at a cost, including hardware, of less than $5,0.Q0 after initial production costs of transfer to videodisc. PubliCation on videodisc systems would also appear to be feasible for large files with print, diagrams, or illustrations which are frequently searched, e.g., pate4t files.
1964 Projections and Videodisc System
1964 Projection 1980 System
4 minutes - ACCESS TIME - 2.5 seconds
2000 reels of magnetic tape 1 videodisc
$40,000,000 $3,000
Figure 11.Swanson's 1964 projection compared with videodisc.Current videodisc systems may accomplish the tasks more cost effectively than was projected in 1964. The Library of Congress has been working with an experimental optical videodisc system which may test the feasibility of such a videodisc system.It appears that other large files could be effectively published on videodisc systems, such as patent files.
30 Alvin Toff ler, in his recent book, The Third Wave (1980), speaks of "demassifying the media" and the future "electronic cottage" filled with easily accessed information devices. He suggests societal productionwill be decentralized as well as the dissemination of information. This statement by Andrew R. Molnar of the National Science Foundation underlines the importance of the dissemination of information in a learning society:
Discoveries of fundamental importance are occurring in all areas of science at an incredible rate, and these developments have created a new body of knowledge that has significantly altered our society. In less than a generation, scientific knowledge has radically changed our concepts of the universe, the atom, the gene, and the continents upon which we live. Much ofthis knowledge has been transformed" into useful applications.Today,'science-based information industries account for more than one-half of our nation's gross-national-product and over one-half of our jobs (Porat, 1977).It has been estimated that advances in knowledge are the largest single source of long-term economic growth, accounting for more than one-third of our econom- ic output since World War II (National Science Board1,1976). While the information explosion has -expanded our understanding of the world about us and has, to date, brought us a higL standard of living and economic, prosperity, continued benefits will be directly related to our society's capacity to absorb new information and our ability to use it... In the last session of Congress, a subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology held hearings on "Computers in the.Learning Society."They concluded that the Federal Govern- ment must be the primary source of funding for research in the computer based field and the Executive Branch must take the leadership in the development and implementation of a research strategy that will satisfy the requirements for compatibility between broad national goals and those of the country's highly autonomous school systems.They recommended that Federally sponsored re- search should be directed toward the goals of increasing our basic understanding of appropriate hardware, software, courseware, and instructional theories that would underpin cost effective computer- based educational systems... Dr. Philip Morrison of the Massachusetts Institute of Technolo- gy has said that "it is plain that American knowledge, like wealth, is skeweein its distribution. One percent ofour citizens own a quarter of our wealth, and a similar peak applies in science" (National Academy of Sciences, 1977). In a learning society, it is clearly in the public interest to be sure that information is widely available to all of those who need it and want it. In cOnclusion,_ if we-are-to-reap the advantages of the informa- . tion explosion, we will need to develop new, powerful technologies to
5. ,71 -27-.
expand and increase human learning and reasoning. in the past, large investments in research greatly' expanded the frontiers of science. The National Science Foundation has initiated a research thrust in this direction with the hope it will, in turn, stimulate others to seek new instructional paradigms and to explore new technological innova- tions for widespre,ad use in the learning society. (Molnar, 1979, p. 11, 151 ' ..,t,
.. The' following bibliography is designed to provide an introduCtion to the growing literature in this field for practitioners, whether they. are contemplating the use of videodisc in their organizations, planning for its incorporation into their programs, or already working with the new technologies.
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REFERENCES AND SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abbott, George L. Video disc: A selected bibliography of general review articles and proposed applications with separate section on technical and theoretical articles. Syracuse, NY: Information Yield, 1980. '34 pp. Ackerman, Helen V. Videodisc and computers highlight AECT conference. American Libraries, May 1979, p. 127. (Reports the first demonstration of the USUideodisc Innovations Project, although not by name.)
Armstrong, Anne A. Utah State's VIP.Information World, October 1979.(Sliecial supplement on technologies, p. 11.) Barto liui, R. A. et al.Optical disc systems emerge. IEEE Spectrum, Afigust 1978, pp. 20-28. Boyle, Deirdre.Disc fever sweeps Atlanta.Wilson Library Bulletin, March 1979(a), pp. 492-493. Boyle, Deirdre.Videodiscthe 'world on ailver platter?Wilson Library Bulle tin, January 1979(b), p. 369. Boyle, Deirdre. Whatever happened to videodisc? American Libraries, February 1977, pp. 97-98. Bradshaw, H. Jerry. Videodisc-future shock. Utah Libraries, Spring 1975, pp. 10-16. Braun, Ludwig. Microcomputers and videodisc systems:Magic lamps for educators. Stony Brook, NY: State University of New York, 1977..77pp. ERIC Document No. ED 154 839.(An abbreviated version of this report was published in People's Computers, January7February 1978.) Bulthius, Kees et al.Ten billion bits on a disc. IEEE Spectrum, August 1979, pp. 26- 33. Cherry, Susan Spaeth. .Videodisc proves popular in pioneering librarjes.American Libraries, September 1980, p. 509. DeBloois, Michael.Exploring new design models.Educational and Industrial Televi- sion, May 1979, pp. 34-36. Donath, Bob. The hustle of industrial visco. Industrial Marketing, April 19.10, pp. 62- 64. Eastwood, Lester F., Jr.Motivation and deterrents to eductional use of intelligent videodisc systems. St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Development Technology, 1978.57 pp.ERIC Document No. ED 15Z 516.Also appeared in a special issue of the Journal of Educational Technology Systems (1978-79, 1, 303- 335) together with other articles on videodisc technology by Andriessen, Branson, Bunderson, Holmgren, LaGow, Leveridge, KLibs, and Walker. Gelman, Morrie. Sony cool on viddisk future; prototype only. Variety, March 12, 1980, p. 1.
9 T.
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Goldstein, Charles M.Videodiscfuture-storage medium.(Abstract of paper to be delivered at 3rd Online Information Meeting.)Online Review, December 1979, p. 415. '" Gough, Pauline B. ABC/NEA Schooldisc: Will apparent problems cancel out potential? Phi Delta Kappan, December 1980, pp. 247-Z49. Gray, _Robert A.A technology spin-off:The compact audio disc.Instructional Innovator, Dereinber 1980, p. 38. 4. Gray, Robert A.Videodisc technology:Its potential for libraries.School Library Journal, January 1978, pp. 22-24. -N/ Gunter, Greg. The optical videodisc.Bulletin of the American Society for Informa- tion Science, December 1978, p. 39. Hensey, Julie L. Philips and MCA optical videodisc system. A paper presented to the American Library Association, Detroit, MI, June 19, 1977. 8pp. Jacobson, Harlan.Pioneer enters videodisks; ally of MCA's system. Variety, April 2, 1980, p. 1. Jacobson, Harlan.Zenith to enter videodisc era next year via Selectivision tie.. Variety, March 12, 1980, p. 50. (Describes the agreement between RCA and Zenith 'to share specifications on capacitance videodisc systems.) Kenney, George C. et al.An optical disc replaces 25 mag tapes.IEEE Spectrum, February 1979, pp. 33-38.
4). Knoxville library showcases videodiscs. Library Journal, February 15, 1980, p. 464. Lachenbruch, David.. The coming videodisc battle.Panorama, April 1980(a), pp. 57= 60. Lachenbruch, Dairid..Videodisc update. Radio-Electronics, August 1980(b), p. 4. (Notes RCA Selectivision announcement.) Merrill, Paul and Junius L. Bennion. Videodisc technology in education: The current scene. NSPI Journal, November 1979, pp. 18-26.(Describes the major videodisc ,projects in the U.S., including the USU Videodisc Innovations Project.) Molnar, Andrew R. -.Intelligent videddisc and the,. learning society. Journal of Computer Based Instruction, August 1979, pp. 11-16. National Academy of Science. Science: An. American bicentennial view. Washington, -DC:- National* Academy of Science, 1977, p. 6. National Science Board.Science indicators. Washington", DC:U.S. Government Printing Office, 1976. 1978-79 ALA executive document #74 (information).In Videoplay Report, June 11, 1979, p. 4.(Letter reproduced verbatim with letterhead.) Patrick, Lucy. Is there a videodisc in the house? Georgia Librarian, August 1979, p. 6.
. (One of the participants in ,the first National Videodisc /Microcomputer Institute.at Utah State University reports her experiences.) v4 -30-
Porat, M. °V. The information economy: De.:inition and measum -rent. U.S. Depar' lent. of Commerce, Office or Telecommunications Special Pablicatioil 77- 12 (9 vAs.). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977 Radding, Alan. Programming changes rapid.Advertising Age, July 23, 1980, pp. 10- 13. (Analyzes changes in audiovisual formats with emphasis on videodisc.) JVC's video disc. Radio-Electronics, May 1980. p. 4. RCA to market videodisk system in 1981.Wilson Library Bulletin, January -.980, p. , 279. Rice, James, Jr.There's. a videodisc in your future.Library Journal, January 155, 1978, pp. 143-144.
Rolph, Sarah.,Computer graphics seeing is believing.Datamation, August 1980(a), pp.. 43-46.(An important article describing a spatial data management system based on videodi.ilc.) Rolph, Sarah. The disc revolution. Datamation, February 1980(b), p. 147. Smellie, Don C.Videodisc in the classroom.Educational and Industrial Television, May 1979, p. 32. Smith,. Judson. An eye-opening glimpse at training's newest toolthe videodisc. Training, August 1.979, pp. 21-22; 24. Smith, Robert F. A funny thing is happening to the library on its way to the future. The Futurist, Apiil 1978, pp, 85-91. Sommer, Jeff....While videodisc players prepare to come into view. Advertising Agr June 2, 1980, pp. 2, 8, 10.(Surveys recent RCA and other announcements o: entering the videodisc market, predicting that lack of compatibility will slow sales.) Swan, Paul and .Grahame Naylor.Audio-visual: The latest developments. Marketing (British), February 1980, pp. 53-62.(Suggests a world-wide*standard for videodisc may be coming with Philips, MCA, IBM, Grundig, Sharp, and Pioneer agreeing to produce compatible equipment.) Swanson, Don R. Design requirements for a future In Libraries and Automation:. Proceedings-of-the-Conference on and Automation at Aarlie Foundation, Warrenton, Virginia, May 26...30, 1963, p. 20. Washington, DC: Library of Cc agress, 1964. Thorkildsen, Ron et al.A microcomputer/videodisc CAI package to teach the retarded. Educational and Industrial Television, May1979, pp. 40-42. Milner, Alvin. The third wave. New York: Morrow, 1980.
U.S.Congress, House, Committee On Science..and Technology and Committee on Education and Labor. Information Technology in Education: Joint Hearings before the"Subcommittee on Science Research and Technolo3 and the Subcommittee on Select Education, 96,,thCongress, 2nd Sess., April 2-3, 1980, p. 236.Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980. -31-
Videodisc: A three-way race for a billion-dollar jackpot. Business Week, July 7, 1980, pp. 72-81. Videodisc update: ALA legal counsel opinion. Videoplay, June 11, 1979, pp. 3-4.
Walter, Gerard 0. Willoptical disk memory supplant microfilm?Journal of Micrographics, July-August 1980, pp. -1-34. Wilhelms, Fred T. The ABC/NEA Schooldisc program is underway. Today's Education, September-October 1980, pp. 61GE-63GE. Williamson, Rick.Anatomy of a national teleconference.Instructional Innovator, November 1980, pp. 27-28. (A participantin the FirstNational Videodisc! Microcomputer Institute reports on Satellite Conference featuring Videodisc Inno- vations Project staff.) Willis, Barry D.Formats for the videodiscwhat are the options?Educational and Industrial Television, May 1979, pp. 36-38. Willocks, R. Max.Special report:4 million catalog cards on seven little platters: Library spinoffs from videodisc technology.American Libraries, December 1975, pp: 682-683. Wood, R. Kent. A fault-tree approach to systems analysis: An overview. Encyclia Fall 1978(a), pp. 61-72.(A paper presentea to the Library, Information, and Instructional Sciences Division of the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.) Wood, R. Kent.A reader's guide to videodisc technology:A selected annotated bibliography.In Learning via telecoMmunications, pp. 15-20.Washington, DC: Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1978(b). Wood, R. Kent. A status report on levels of library and information services in Utah libraries.Paper prepared for the Utah Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services, Salt Lake City, UT, April 9-11, 1979(a). 44pp. ERIC Document No. ED 169 885. (Suggests more widespread use of videodisc technology in libraries and media centers.)
Wood, R. Kent.An introduction to fault tree analysis: The Natul Project.In ALA Library Research Round Table 1977 Research 'Forums:Proceedings with meetings held at the 96th Annual Conference of the American Library Association, Detroit, Michigan, July 17-23, 1977, pp. 137-160. Ann Arbor, M1 University Microfilms for the American Library Association, 1979(b). Also published on audiocassettes by the American Library Association as announced in American Libraries, January 1978. Wood, R. Kent.Success is easy when you knoW how to fail.Audiovisual Instruction, October 1978(c), p. 22. Wood, R. Kent. Using media centers in education. The Natul Project. Teacher use of library media centers in the future: A national needs assessment by use of delphi fault-tree analysisforinstructional development. Logan, UT: Utah 'State University, Merrill Library and Learning Resources Program, 1976.221 pp. ERIC Document No.ED 168 555.(An application of Fault Tree Analysis to library media centers.)
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Wood, R. Kent.Utah State University's Videodisc Innovations Project.Educational and Industrial Television, May 1979(c), pp. 3.1-32.(Lead article in a special issue devoted to intelligent videodisc and the USU VIP.) Wood, R. Kent. 'Videodisc in education. Video cassette, 3/4 inch, color, 23 minutes. The AECT Telecommunications 'Satellite Interactive Videodisc Conference featur- ing the USU VIP staff with script by R. Kent Wood with Don Sinellie, Mike DeBloois, and Robert .Woolley.(This cassette is available from the USU Center for Instructional Product Development (CIPD), Utah State UniversityU MC #30, Logan, UT 84322; $50.00.) Wood, R. Kent. Videodisc update '77. AAACE Quarterly, October-December 1977, pp. 18-24. Wood, R. Kent and Don C. Smellie.: Videodisc Innovation Projects.In Professional development and educational technology, pp. 49-56. Washington, DC: Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1980. Wood, R. Kent and Kent G. Stephens. An educator's guide to videodisc technology. Phi Delta Kappan, Februaiy 1977(a).Reprinted in People's Computers, February 1978.
Wood, R. Kent, Kent G. Stephens, and Bruce 0. Barker.Fault tree analysis:An emerging methodology for instructional science.Instructional Science, December 1979, pp. 1-Z2. Wood, R. Kent and Kent G. Stephens.Videodisc technology: An immediate future shock for educators. International Journal of Instructional Media, 1977(b), 4. Wood, R. Kent and Robert D. Woolley.A consumer's guide for educators to microcomputer technology. Instructor, March 1940, pp. 86+. Woolley, Robert D. A videodisc/portable computer system for information storage. Educational and Industrial Television, May 1979(a), pp. 38-40. Woolley, Robert D.Microcomputers and videodiscs: New dimensions for computer- based education. Interface Age, December 1979(b), pp. 78-82. (Describes the early development of the VIP interface board now marketed by Colony Productions, 1248 B/ciunstown Hwy., Tallahassee, FL 32304; 904/575-0691.)
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